The issue of the British Sovereign Base Areas in the Republic of Cyprus has firmly returned to the spotlight, this time with a clear political dimension at European level, following references in the conclusions of the European Council.
President Nikos Christodoulides recently described the status of the bases as a “colonial remnant”, calling for an “honest discussion” on their future once the crisis in the Middle East subsides. His remarks prompted political interest in the United Kingdom across government, political and media circles, underlining the sensitivity of the matter.
The intention to initiate dialogue was reiterated during his intervention at the European Council summit. According to the presidency, shortly before his address on Thursday evening, an alert was sounded at RAF Akrotiri. Referring to developments in recent weeks in areas surrounding the bases - home to around 10,000 Cypriot citizens - Christodoulides stressed that, despite heightened tensions, conditions on the island remain normal and secure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed clear support, stating that “the security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union”. She noted that the EU has been directly affected by the crisis, with Cyprus on the frontline, and commended President Christodoulides for his handling of the situation, highlighting European unity as a key source of strength.
Complex issue
At the same time, the European Council’s conclusions explicitly state that the Union “takes note of Cyprus’ intention to initiate discussions with the United Kingdom regarding the British Bases and stands ready to provide assistance, if and as needed”. The inclusion of this reference in the final text constitutes significant political backing for Nicosia, placing the issue within a European framework without creating binding obligations.
However, the matter of the British Bases remains highly complex. It is rooted in the 1960 Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, under which the United Kingdom retained sovereign military areas on the island following independence. This special status was preserved after Cyprus joined the European Union through specific arrangements, making any change particularly difficult both legally and politically.
Any discussion on altering the status of the bases is also closely linked to broader geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. It remains intertwined with prospects for resolving the Cyprus issue and the role of the guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom—limiting the scope for immediate progress.
Momentum but uncertain outcome
Nevertheless, the European Council’s reference and the EU’s political support create new momentum for dialogue, without prejudging the outcome. The issue is widely recognised as deeply rooted in history and geopolitics, making any resolution uncertain and particularly complex under current political conditions.
Speaking to Bloomberg TV on Friday morning, a day after the Brussels summit, President Christodoulides addressed relations with the United Kingdom and the British Bases in Cyprus, stating that Nicosia and London must discuss the matter.
“We have excellent relations with the UK government, and one example is the Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus—the first in 53 years,” he said.
While noting ongoing strategic dialogue and close cooperation, he added: “We work very closely, but the issue of the British Bases must be discussed. We all understand that the bases in Cyprus are a legacy of the colonial period.”
UK approves US use of bases
Meanwhile, the British government has approved the use of military bases by the United States to launch strikes against Iranian missile facilities linked to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These include RAF Fairford and the base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with the former frequently hosting B-52 heavy bombers.
Iran’s Foreign Minister warned via Telegram that if Britain allows the US to use its bases in the conflict, it would be “considered participation in aggression and recorded in the history of interstate relations.”